Pinch valve guard

ABSTRACT

A pinch valve can include a finger guard or tubing retainer for blocking at least a portion of a tube slot. A headpiece for a pinch valve can include a tube slot for receiving tubing and can be adapted to couple with a guard. A guard can include a base and an extension and can be removably coupled to a headpiece. The extension can be adapted to block at least a portion of a tube slot.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/103,621 filed Aug. 14, 2018, the entire contents of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

REFERENCE TO APPENDIX

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention. The present disclosure relates generally tovalves and more specifically relates to pinch valves and control systemsand guards for pinch valves.

Description of the Related Art. Flow control systems are common inprocess and manufacturing systems, such as in sterile, aseptic,physiological and food applications, among others, includingapplications in hazardous or harsh environments. It can be important toaccurately control various parameters in such systems, including flowrates and other fluidically controlled components. Accordingly, fluidcontrol systems and valves that provide rapid and accurate control offluids are called for in numerous industries. Further, some industriesand applications call for fluid control systems and valves thatincorporate features relating to safety, system monitoring andprotection against failures. In addition, in the current state oftechnology, there is often a demand for fluid control components,including valves, that fit into relatively small spaces versus theirlarger predecessors without comprising performance or functionality.

A pinch valve is a type of control valve that typically utilizes apinching action to compress a flexible tube and thereby obstruct fluidflow through the tube. Many pinch valves have default positions, such asnormally open or normally closed, to which the valve defaults untilactuated. Some pinch valves can be controlled by pneumatic means usingcompressed air to actuate the pinching mechanism for controlling fluidflow within a tube disposed in an opening in the valve. In the event ofa loss of power or air pressure, a pinch valve may have a default orfailure mode, such as fully open or fully closed. In some cases,compressible tubing used with pinch valves can become dislodged from theopening in the valve or worn or damaged such as due to repeated pinchingover time. Further, if a pinch valve fails during system operations, itmay become stuck in an undesirable position which can cause problems inthe overall operation of the system or a component thereof.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved pinch valves forminimizing wear on the tubing, as well as the space required for thevalve and related components. Additionally, there is a need in the artfor improved pinch valve control systems for cooperating with otherfluid system components and providing advantageous control and fail-safefeatures. Further, there is a need in the art for improved pinch valvesand valve components for at least partially reducing the likelihood oftubing becoming dislodged during valve operations or of an operator'sfingers or other foreign objects entering a tube slot during pinchingoperations. The disclosures and teachings herein are directed to systemsand methods for improved pinch valve structures, control systems andtube slot guards.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In at least one embodiment, a pinch valve can include a finger guard ortubing retainer for blocking at least a portion of a tube slot. Aheadpiece for a pinch valve can include a tube slot for receiving tubingand can be adapted to couple with a guard. A guard can include a baseand an extension and can be removably coupled to a headpiece. Anextension can be adapted to block at least a portion of a tube slot.

In at least one embodiment, a headpiece for a pinch valve can include abody having a first end adapted to couple with one or more otherportions of a valve, such as a valve actuator or housing, alongitudinally opposite second end, an opening, such as a tube slot, forreceiving tubing, and one or more guards, such as covers, retainers orother structures. A tube slot can have a mouth adapted to receive aportion of tubing there through. In at least one embodiment, a guard canbe removably coupled to a headpiece or a portion thereof, such as abody. In at least one embodiment, a guard can include a base configuredto couple to a headpiece body, which can include coupling to a secondend or other end or portion of the headpiece body, and an extensioncoupled to the base. The extension can be adapted to cover at least aportion of a tube slot, which can include the mouth, whether separatelyor in combination with one or more other portions of the guard.

In at least one embodiment, a tube slot can include a mouth or entrancedisposed in a wall of a headpiece body, such as longitudinally betweenone or more ends, such as first and second ends, and an extension can bedisposed at least partially within or otherwise relative to the mouth ofthe tube slot. The wall can be tubular, in whole or in part. A tube slotcan be disposed in the wall longitudinally between first and secondportions of the wall, which can be or include any portion(s) of thewall. In at least one embodiment, one or more walls or wall portions,such as a second portion or another portion, can include a slot or otheropening for communicating with at least a portion of a guard. Forexample, a headpiece can include a guard slot for communicating with atleast a portion of a guard. A guard slot can be in fluid communicationwith a tube slot. At least a portion of a guard, such as an extension oranother portion, can be disposed at least partially within a guard slot.

In at least one embodiment, a wall of a headpiece can be at leastpartially cylindrical and one or more of a guard slot and an extensioncan be at least partially arcuate or otherwise adapted for cooperatingwith one another and the wall. In at least one embodiment, a portion ofa wall and a mouth of a tube slot can have a combined height, anextension can have a length, and the length of the extension can be lessthan the combined height of the portion of the wall and the mouth of thetube slot. In at least one embodiment, a portion of a wall and a mouthof a tube slot can have a combined height, an extension can have alength, and the length of the extension can be greater than or equal tothe combined height of the portion of the wall and the mouth of the tubeslot.

In at least one embodiment, one of a headpiece body and a guard caninclude a tongue and the other of the headpiece body and the guard caninclude a groove. The tongue and groove can be adapted to couple withone another to align the headpiece body and the guard or one or moreportions thereof. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of abase of a guard can be annular. At least a portion of a headpiece bodycan be disposed within an opening in a base or other portion of a guard.In at least one embodiment, a guard can be adapted to be coupled to aheadpiece with one or more fasteners, such as screws, bolts, spannerscrews, or other couplers.

In at least one embodiment, a pinch valve can include a housing for anactuator, a headpiece having a slot and a guard for optionally blockingor covering at least a portion of the slot. A headpiece can have a firstend coupled to the housing, a longitudinally opposite second end and atube slot having a mouth adapted to receive a portion of tubing thereinor there through. A plunger can have a first pinching surface and asecond pinching surface can be coupled to the headpiece. One or morepinching surfaces can be configured to move relative to one anotheramong one or more positions, such as valve positions, which can includefully or partially open and closed valve positions. A valve can includea guard removably coupled to the headpiece and the guard can include abase configured to couple to the headpiece and an extension coupled tothe base. The extension can be adapted to cover at least a portion ofthe tube slot, which can include the mouth or another portion, in wholeor in part. A mouth of a tube slot can be disposed in a wall of aheadpiece longitudinally between first and second ends and an extensioncan be disposed at least partially within the mouth of the tube slot.

In at least one embodiment, a pinch valve can include a wall, which canbe or include a tubular wall, disposed longitudinally or otherwisebetween one or more ends or other portions, such as first and secondends, of the valve or a portion thereof. A tube slot can be disposed ina portion of the valve, such as in a wall longitudinally between firstand second portions of the wall. A wall can include a guard slot forreceiving or otherwise communicating with at least a portion of a guard.A guard slot can be in fluid communication with the tube slot. A guardor a portion thereof can be disposed at least partially within a guardslot.

In at least one embodiment, a valve can include one or more walls thatcan be at least partially cylindrical and one or more of a guard slotand an extension can be at least partially arcuate or otherwise adaptedfor cooperating with one another and the wall. In at least oneembodiment, a portion of a wall and a mouth of a tube slot can have acombined height, an extension can have a length, and the length of theextension can be less than the combined height of the portion of thewall and the mouth of the tube slot. In at least one embodiment, aportion of a wall and a mouth of a tube slot can have a combined height,an extension can have a length, and the length of the extension can begreater than or equal to the combined height of the portion of the walland the mouth of the tube slot.

In at least one embodiment, a valve can include a headpiece and a guardand at least one of the headpiece and the guard can include a tongue andthe other of the headpiece body and the guard can include a groove. Thetongue and groove can be adapted to couple with one another to align theheadpiece body and the guard or one or more portions thereof. In atleast one embodiment, at least a portion of a base of a guard can beannular. At least a portion of a headpiece body can be disposed withinan opening in a base or other portion of a guard. In at least oneembodiment, a guard can be adapted to be coupled to a headpiece with oneor more fasteners, such as screws, bolts, spanner screws, or othercouplers. In at least one embodiment, a valve can include an overridecomprising an actuator and an override arm configured to optionally moveone or more pinching surfaces in one or more directions. In at least oneembodiment, a guard or portion thereof can include one or more openingsand at least a portion of a headpiece can be disposed within an openingin a base or other portion of a guard. In at least one embodiment, atleast a portion of an override can be disposed at least partially withinor through at least a portion of a guard, which can include the base oranother portion, separately or in combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a pinch valveaccording to the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the valve of FIG. 1 including one of manyembodiments of a retainer according to the disclosure.

FIG. 6 is a rear view of the valve of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a pinchvalve according to the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the valve of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional front view of the valve of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of one of many embodiments of a valvecontrol system according to the disclosure.

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of one of many embodiments of a pinchvalve having a control module according to the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the valve of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a rear view of the valve of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is a front view of the valve of FIG. 11.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the valve ofFIG. 11.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of a pinchvalve having a control module according to the disclosure.

FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the valve of FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of yet another of many embodiments of apinch valve having a control module according to the disclosure.

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the valve of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a pinchvalve having a guard according to the disclosure.

FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the valve of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a pinchvalve headpiece having a guard slot according to the disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a pinchvalve guard according to the disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the headpiece and guardof FIGS. 22 and 23.

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The Figures described above and the written description of specificstructures and functions below are not presented to limit the scope ofwhat Applicants have invented or the scope of the appended claims.Rather, the Figures and written description are provided to teach anyperson skilled in the art to make and use the invention(s) for whichpatent protection is sought. Those skilled in the art will appreciatethat not all features of a commercial embodiment of the disclosure aredescribed or shown for the sake of clarity and understanding. Persons ofskill in this art will also appreciate that the development of an actualcommercial embodiment incorporating aspects of the present disclosurecan require numerous implementation-specific decisions to achieve thedeveloper's ultimate goal for the commercial embodiment(s). Suchimplementation-specific decisions may include, and likely are notlimited to, compliance with system-related, business-related,government-related and other constraints, which may vary by specificimplementation, location and from time to time. While a developer'sefforts might be complex and time-consuming in an absolute sense, suchefforts would be, nevertheless, a routine undertaking for those of skillin the art having the benefits of this disclosure. It must be understoodthat the embodiment(s) disclosed and taught herein are susceptible tonumerous and various modifications and alternative forms. The use of asingular term, such as, but not limited to, “a,” is not intended aslimiting of the number of items. The use of relational terms, such as,but not limited to, “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “upper,” “lower,”“down,” “up,” “side,” “first,” “second,” (“third” et seq.), “inlet,”“outlet” and the like are used in the written description for clarity inspecific reference to the Figures and are not intended to limit thescope of the disclosure or the appended claims unless otherwiseindicated. The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “coupling,” “coupler,” andlike terms are used broadly herein and can include any method or devicefor securing, binding, bonding, fastening, attaching, joining, insertingtherein, forming thereon or therein, communicating, or otherwiseassociating, for example, mechanically, magnetically, electrically,chemically, operably, directly or indirectly with intermediate elements,one or more pieces of members together and can further include withoutlimitation integrally forming one member with another in a unityfashion. The coupling can occur in any direction, includingrotationally. The terms “include” and “such as” are illustrative and notlimitative, and the word “can” means “can, but need not” unlessotherwise indicated. Notwithstanding any other language in the presentdisclosure, the embodiment(s) shown in the drawings are examplespresented for purposes of illustration and explanation and are not theonly embodiments of the subject(s) hereof.

Applicants have created systems and methods for improved pinch valvesand improved control of pinch valves. A control module for a pinch valvecan include a housing, a controller, a display, an indicator and one ormore sensors for coupling with a pinch valve and supporting operation ofthe pinch valve, whether separately or in combination with one or moreother pinch valves or other pinch valve system components. A pinch valvecan include one or more control modules coupled therewith, separately orin combination. A pinch valve system can include one or more pinchvalves and one or more control modules coupled therewith, separately orin combination with one another or other system components. A pinchvalve or a portion thereof, such as a headpiece, can include a fingerguard or tubing retainer for blocking at least a portion of a tube slot.Systems and methods of the present disclosure are described in furtherdetail below with reference to the Figures.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a pinch valveaccording to the disclosure. FIG. 2 is a side view of the valve ofFIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a front view of the valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is across-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a side view ofthe valve of FIG. 1 including one of many embodiments of a retaineraccording to the disclosure. FIG. 6 is a rear view of the valve of FIG.5. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of another of many embodiments of apinch valve according to the disclosure. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectionalperspective view of the valve of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectionalfront view of the valve of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a schematic view of one ofmany embodiments of a valve control system according to the disclosure.FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of one of many embodiments of a pinchvalve having a control module according to the disclosure. FIG. 12 is afront perspective view of the valve of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a rear viewof the valve of FIG. 11. FIG. 14 is a front view of the valve of FIG.11. FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the valveof FIG. 11. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another of many embodimentsof a pinch valve having a control module according to the disclosure.FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the valve of FIG. 16. FIG. 18 isa perspective view of yet another of many embodiments of a pinch valvehaving a control module according to the disclosure. FIG. 19 is anotherperspective view of the valve of FIG. 18. FIG. 20 is a perspective viewof one of many embodiments of a pinch valve having a guard according tothe disclosure. FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the valve of FIG.20. FIG. 22 is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a pinchvalve headpiece having a guard slot according to the disclosure. FIG. 23is a perspective view of one of many embodiments of a pinch valve guardaccording to the disclosure. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional perspectiveview of the headpiece and guard of FIGS. 22 and 23. FIG. 25 is a partialcross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 20. FIGS. 1-25 are describedin conjunction with one another.

In at least one embodiment, a pinch valve 100 can include a housing 102for holding or enclosing one or more other components of the valve,separately or in combination, in whole or in part. Housing 102 caninclude one or more ports 104, such as first port 104 a and second port104 b, for communicating with one or more conduits 106 for supportingoperation of the valve. For example, one or more conduits 106 cansupport fluid communication with valve 100 during operation oractuation, such as by way of compressed air or another fluid. In atleast one embodiment, for instance, first port 104 a can be or includean inlet for receiving fluid, such as compressed air, into an interiorspace 108 from a fluid source coupled to valve 100 via conduit 106 andsecond port 104 b can be or include an outlet for bleeding fluid exitinghousing 102. Valve 100 can include a headpiece 110 coupled to housing102 for supporting one or more valve components and receiving a portionof tubing 112, such as flexible or compressible tubing, for cooperatingwith the valve during valve operations, such as opening or closingoperations. Headpiece 110 can include a tubing slot 114, such as a holeor opening, for receiving at least a portion of tubing 112 coupled withvalve 100.

Valve 100 can include a piston rod 116, such as a shaft or other member,for supporting operation of the valve, such as by translating motion orforce among two or more components or defining one or more distancesbetween two or more components. Piston rod 116 can have one or morepiston rod ends, such as first end 116 a and second end 116 b, whichcan, but need not, include longitudinally opposite and/or terminal ends,and can be at least partially disposed within at least a portion ofhousing 102 and/or headpiece 110. Valve 100 can include one or moresprings 118 for biasing one or more other components of valve 100 in oneor more directions, such as, for example, in a longitudinal directionalong central longitudinal axis X of valve 100. For example, spring 118can be or include any biasing device in accordance with a physicalembodiment according to the disclosure. Valve 100 can include a springguide 120 coupled to one or more other components of the system, such asto piston rod 116, for supporting operation of the valve, such as bytranslating one or more spring forces to one or more other components ofthe system. Valve 100 can include a piston plate 122 coupled to thepiston rod, for example to first piston rod end 116 a or another portionof piston rod, for cooperating with one or more other components ofvalve 100 to create or enclose one or more spaces or cavities within thevalve, such as within housing 102 or space 108. In at least oneembodiment, piston plate 122 can be coupled between spring guide 120 anda shoulder 124 of piston rod 116, such as a shoulder of first piston rodend 116 a. Piston plate 122 can sealingly engage one or more surfaces,such as interior surface 126 of housing 102, for sealingly orfluidically separating two or more portions or spaces within valve 100.Piston plate 122 can be slidably coupled with housing 102 and can beadapted to slide along, for example, interior surface 126 of the housing102 among one or more positions, such as between the one or more fluidports 104 in the housing. Valve 100 can include one or more plungers 128for optionally engaging or otherwise coupling with one or more othercomponents of the valve. Plunger 128 can be coupled to piston rod 116,such as, for example, to second piston rod end 116 b, and can compriseone or more pinching surfaces, such as first pinching surface 130 a, forcooperating with one or more other surfaces or components, such assecond pinching surface 130 b, for optionally pinching tubing 112coupled to valve 100, which can, but need not, include contacting one ormore other pinching surfaces, separately or in combination, in whole orin part. At least a portion of second pinching surface 130 b can be orinclude a portion of headpiece 110 or a structure coupled to headpiece110. Second pinching surface 130 b can be disposed at least partiallywithin slot 114, but need not be, and in at least one embodiment, can beoutside of (e.g., below) slot 114 while nonetheless positioned forcooperating with tubing 112 during valve operations.

At least one of one or more pinching portions or components, includingone or both of pinching surfaces 130 a, 130 b, can be adapted to moveamong or between one or more positions, such as, for example, fullyopened and fully closed valve positions, which can include an openposition for allowing maximum fluid flow through tubing 112 and a closedposition for ceasing fluid flow through tubing 112, respectively. Aswill be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefit of this disclosure, a valve according to the disclosure can besized and otherwise configured for cooperating with any size or type ofpinch valve tubing according to a physical embodiment or implementationof the disclosure, whether now known or future developed. Further, whilefully opened and fully closed positions as that terminology is usedherein generally refers to maximum fluid flow and zero fluid flow,respectively, for purposes of convenience and ease of explanation, itshould be understood that in at least one embodiment, a fully openedand/or fully closed position can be or include, whether optionally,adjustably, fixedly, or otherwise, positions that allow for less thanmaximum and more than zero fluid flow, respectively, through anapplicable tubing, which can include any fluid flow rate or ratesrequired or desired for a physical embodiment of the disclosure.

Tubing slot 114 can, but need not, have a uniform size and/or shape. Forexample, as shown in, e.g., FIG. 2, tubing slot 114 can vary in sizeand/or shape and can be adapted for facilitating insertion of tubing 112into tubing slot 114, facilitating placement of tubing 112 into tubingslot 114, and at least partially resisting dislodgment of tubing 112from within tubing slot 114, such as for helping retain tubing 112 in acorrect position within tubing slot 114 for proper valve functionality.In at least one embodiment, tubing slot 114 can include a first portion114 a having an inside dimension d1 and a second portion 114 b having aninside dimension d2 different from the inside dimension d1 of the firstportion. For instance, first portion 114 a can be configured forallowing insertion of tubing 112 into slot 114 and at least partiallyresisting removal or escape of the tubing from the slot, such as byhaving an inside dimension d1 smaller than an outside dimension d3 oftubing 112 yet large enough for receiving the tubing in a compressed orreduced-diameter state. The difference between inside dimension d1 ofthe first portion 114 a and outside dimension d3 of tubing 112 can beany difference according to a physical embodiment of the disclosure, andin at least one embodiment, can generally call for pinching and/orlongitudinally stretching a portion of tubing 112 upon insertion of thetubing into tubing slot 114 in order to temporarily reduce the outsidedimension of the tubing so as to slide or otherwise pass through firstportion 114 a of tubing slot 114 toward second portion 114 b of tubingslot 114. Second portion 114 b can be configured for receiving at leasta portion of tubing 112 therein or therethrough (see, e.g., FIGS. 1-4)and for holding or helping hold tubing 112 in one or more positionsduring valve operations, whether separately or in combination with firstportion 114 a of tubing slot 114. For example, in at least oneembodiment, second portion 114 b can have an inside dimension d2 equalto or about equal to an outside dimension d3 of a corresponding tubing112 or portion thereof. Alternatively, or collectively, second portion114 b of tubing slot 114 can have an inside dimension d2 larger orsmaller than outside dimension d3 of tubing 112. Inside dimension d2 ofsecond portion 114 b of tubing slot 114 can, but need not, be uniform.For example, in at least one embodiment, second portion 114 b can becircular, in whole or in part. As another example, second portion 114 bcan be oblong, oval, C-shaped, or of another shape adapted for receivingat least a portion of tubing 112. In at least one embodiment, insidedimension d2 of second portion 114 b and/or a shape of second portion114 b can vary such that one or more portions of second portion 114 b oftubing slot 114 contact and/or partially compress tubing 112 (whenpresent) while other portions may not. Said another way, second portion114 b of tubing slot 114 can be configured for multipoint contact withan outside surface 132 of tubing 112 or for uniform contact with outsidesurface 132 of tubing 112 (or at least a portion thereof) when tubing112 is inserted into second portion 114 b of tubing slot 114. In thismanner, second portion 114 b of tubing slot 114 can at least partiallyresist dislodgment of tubing 112 from the slot 114 during valveoperations, separately or in combination with such resistance as may beprovided by a relatively smaller first portion 114 a of tubing slot 114,if present.

As will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefits of the present disclosure, the sizing of slot 113 candepend on the size of a physical embodiment of the present disclosure athand and the corresponding tubing size for which such physicalembodiment is made or intended. Common sizes and types of tubingsuitable for use with pinch valves are known in the art and includenumerous different flow areas and compressible materials. Physicalembodiments of the present disclosure can be adapted to cooperate withany size(s) or type(s) of such tubing, whether now known or futuredeveloped.

In at least one embodiment, valve 100 can include a tubing retainer 134for retaining or otherwise holding or supporting tubing 112 withintubing slot 114 during valve operations. Tubing retainer 134 can beadapted to cover at least a portion of tubing slot 114 or one or moreportions thereof and can be adapted to couple with headpiece 110,removably or otherwise. Tubing retainer 134 can also (separately orcollectively) be adapted for safety reasons, such as for at leastpartially preventing a user from accessing tubing slot 114 during valveoperations so as to prevent a user's fingers from being pinched or thelike. Tubing retainer 134 can be or include a single retainer ormultiple retainers. In at least one embodiment, valve 100 can include acoupler 136, such as a groove or slot, for example on an exteriorsurface 138 of headpiece 110 (and/or housing 102), and tubing retainer134 can be configured to couple with coupler 136, which can includecomprising one or more couplers 140 configured to couple with coupler136 or another coupler coupled to headpiece 110 and/or housing 102. Forinstance, coupler 140 can be or include one or more extensions or armsconfigured to couple with coupler 136, such as by snap fit, spring fit,interference fit, or another configuration adapted for removablycoupling tubing retainer 134 to headpiece 110 about tubing slot 114. Inat least one embodiment, tubing retainer 134 can be otherwise coupled tovalve 100, such as by way of mechanical or other fasteners.

In at least one embodiment, valve 100 can include one or more pinchingmembers 142 for pinching tubing 112, such as one or more cylindrical orotherwise shaped pins coupled to at least one of plunger 128 andheadpiece 110. As shown in FIG. 4, for example, valve 100 can include afirst pin 142 a coupled to plunger 128 and a second pin 142 b coupled toheadpiece 110 and disposed at least partially within or otherwiserelative to tubing slot 114 for cooperating with first pin 142 a and/orplunger 128 for pinching tubing 112. Second pin 142 b can, but need not,be fixed relative to headpiece 110 in the longitudinal direction ofvalve 100. During a pinching operation, plunger 128 can move first pin142 a in a longitudinal direction toward second pin 142 b for pinching aportion of tubing 112 disposed in tubing slot 114. Valve 100 can beconfigured for stopping movement of first pin 142 a in a position orlocation relative to second pin 142 b for adequately pinching tubing 112so as to at least partially restrict fluid flow there through. As willbe understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art having thebenefits of the present disclosure, a distance (if any) between firstpin 142 a and second pin 142 b and/or first and second pinching surfaces130 a, 130 b in a fully closed valve position can and likely will dependon the size and/or type of tubing 112 for which a physical embodiment ofthe present disclosure is sized. For example, such distance in a fullyclosed position can depend on the wall thickness t of tubing, which canbe any thickness according to a particular physical embodiment and canbe configured to be a small enough distance to accomplish a desired flowrestriction (which can but need not be a total restriction) yet a largeenough distance for at least partially minimizing damage to or wear ofthe tubing as a result of, for example, repeated pinching operations.First and second pins 142 a, 142 b can, but need not, be rotationallyfixed. In at least one embodiment, one or more of pins 142 a, 142 b canbe rotatably coupled to plunger 128 and/or headpiece 110.

With continuing reference to the Figures, and particular reference toFIGS. 7-9, another of many embodiments of a valve according to thedisclosure will now be described. As shown, for example, in FIG. 7, avalve 200 according to the disclosure can generally include one or moreof the features discussed herein with regard to valve 100 and canfurther include an override 202 for optionally controlling the positionof plunger 128. For example, override 202 can be configured foroverriding a position of plunger 128 accomplished by the valve actuatingcomponents, such as in the event of a failure or power loss during valveoperations. As shown, for example, in FIG. 8, override 202 can be orinclude a manual override mechanism. However, this need not be the case,and alternatively or collectively, override 202 can be or include anautomatic or automated override mechanism, such as a mechanicalmechanism coupled with an electrically, hydraulically, or air poweredmotion source. As depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 7-9 forillustrative purposes, which embodiment is but one of many, a manualoverride 202 can be coupled to headpiece 110, such as on the end or on aside of tubing slot 114 longitudinally opposite housing 102, and can beconfigured to optionally move one or more pinching surfaces, for examplein the longitudinal direction. Override 202 can include an actuator 204and an override arm 206 and actuator 204 can be configured to optionallymove override arm 206 into contact with plunger 128 and/or firstpinching surface 130 a, which can include contacting first pin 142 a ifpresent. In at least one embodiment, actuator 204 can alternatively (orcollectively) be configured to move second pinching surface 130 b.Actuator 204 can be or include an actuator cap 208 movably coupled toheadpiece 110, such as to an exterior surface 138 of headpiece 110. Forexample, actuator cap 208 can be threadably coupled to headpiece 110 andconfigured to move override arm 206 in one or more directions uponactuator cap 208 being rotated relative to headpiece 110, such as in aclockwise or counterclockwise direction. As other examples, actuator cap208 can be adapted to slide relative to headpiece 110 or otherwise movein a manner for moving override arm 206 in one or more directions, suchas longitudinally toward or away from plunger 128. Override 202 can beconfigured to optionally force plunger 128 in one or more directions,such as in the longitudinal direction toward the housing 102, forinstance when a malfunction or other problem has resulted in a valvebecoming stuck in an undesired position for purposes of a fluid controlsystem in which valve 100 is included, which can be any of many controlsystems across the various industries in which the valves of the presentdisclosure can be utilized.

With continuing reference to the Figures, and particular reference toFIG. 10, one of many embodiments of a valve system according to thedisclosure will now be described. As shown, for example, in FIG. 10, avalve system 300 according to the disclosure can include a controlsystem 350 for controlling and/or supporting control of a valve and, inat least one embodiment, one or more other components for controllingfluid flow (further described below). Control system 350 can couple witha valve for sensing one or more variables or attributes of valveoperations, such as any of the valves of the present disclosure, orother valves. Control system 350 is described herein with reference tovalve 100 (and/or valves 200, et seq.) of the present disclosure andtheir various components for purposes of illustration and ease ofexplanation, but can be adapted for controlling other types of pinchvalves. Control system 350 can, but need not, be at least partiallydisposed within housing 102, and in at least one embodiment can behoused fully within housing 102, which can, but need not, include one ormore openings or connectors in or through housing 102 for supportingcommunication with one or more other components of valve system 300 oranother fluid control system, such as power supplies, computers,routers, wiring, transmitters, receivers and other components forcontrolling fluid flow.

In at least one embodiment, control system 350 can include one or moreposition sensors 352 for sensing one or more positions or states ofvalve 100 or a component thereof, such as by sensing a position ofplunger 128 or another component of the valve at a time or times fordetermining whether valve 100 is in a fully opened position, fullyclosed position, or another position at the time(s) of sensing. Positionsensor 352 can be or include any type of position sensor according to aphysical embodiment of the disclosure, such as, for example, proximityswitches, micro snap switches, light sensors, LED beam sensors, and/orother types of position sensors. In at least one embodiment, one or moreposition sensors 352 can be coupled to and/or housed within housing 102and/or headpiece 110. For example, one or more position sensors 352 canbe configured for sensing the position of any of piston rod 116, pistonplate 122, plunger 128, pinching surfaces 130 a, 130 b, pins 142 a, 142b, spring guide 120, shoulder 124, tubing retainer 134, override arm 206and actuator cap 208, whether separately or in combination with oneanother or any other component of the valve. In at least one embodiment,such sensing can include sensing one or more targets (not shown) coupledto one or more components of valve 100, such as, for example, a ferrousmetal or other target for communicating with one or more positionsensors 352 (e.g., magnetically).

Control system 350 can include one or more tube sensors (or tubingsensors) 354, for sensing whether a fluid conduit, such as a tube ortubing, is present in tubing slot 114 and/or whether tubing 112 iscorrectly or incorrectly positioned within tubing slot 114. Controlsystem 350 can include one or more flow sensors 356 for sensing one ormore fluid flow variables, which can include, for instance, whetherfluid is present and/or flowing, pressure and/or flow rate. Flow sensor356 can be configured to clamp onto or around tubing 112 or can beintegral to or otherwise coupled in sensing communication with tubing112 or a fluid flow path of valve 100. Flow sensor 356 can be or includeany type of flow sensor according to a physical embodiment of thedisclosure, such as, for example, piezoelectric ultrasonic sensors,ultrasonic transducers and/or other types of sensors for sensing fluidflow. In at least one embodiment, valve 300 can include one, two, three,four, or more flow sensors 356, which can be coupled to and/or housed atleast partially within housing 102 or another portion of valve 100. Oneor more flow sensors 356 can be configured for measuring fluid flowfluidically upstream of and/or downstream from one or more tube sensors354. In at least one embodiment, operation of one or more flow sensors356 can, but need not, be dependent upon a signal from one or moreposition sensors 352. For example, control system 350 can be configuredfor preventing operation of a flow sensor 356 at one or more times, suchas when valve 100 is in a closed position or when no tubing 112 ispresent in tubing slot 114.

Any of the aforementioned sensors can be configured for indicating(i.e., in addition to sensing) one or more parameters or sensingresults, such as by sending or otherwise communicating one or moresignals to one or more other components of control system 350 or valvesystem 300. For example, any of sensors 352, 354, 356 can be adapted forcommunication with one or more controllers, such as process controller358. Process controller 358, which can include a plurality ofcontrollers, can be at least partially disposed within housing 102, inwhole or in part, whether separately or in combination with one or moreof the sensors described above. For example, process controller 358 caninclude one or more controllers disposed at least partially withinhousing 102 or otherwise coupled to valve 100 and one or morecontrollers disposed elsewhere. In at least one embodiment, controlsystem 350 can communicate and cooperate with one or more othercomponents of valve system 300 or another fluid control system forsupporting operation of one or more valves, whether separately or incombination with other components of such a flow control system (ifpresent). For example, control system 350 can be configured forcontrolling one or more pumps 360 (e.g., peristaltic, pulse flow,diaphragm, or other pumps) or other valves, whether independently orcollectively with one or more other controllers or control systems. Inat least one embodiment, control system 350 can be configured todetermine and communicate the status of one or more variables, forinstance by communicating one or more signals, such as through a wiredconnection, wireless connection, and/or other connection, separately orin combination. Such variables include, but are not limited to, whethera valve is in an on or off position, safe mode, shut off mode, alarmmode, lock mode (e.g., when tubing 112 is not in place), flow check orcrosscheck, indication measurements for process flow, and/or one or moreother variables, such as cycle count, dosing or metering information,batch controller information, or other data, separately or incombination.

Valve system 300 and/or control system 350 can be adapted forimplementing control logic for allowing or preventing one or more fluidcontrol functions based on input from one or more of the sensorsdescribed above, such as for safety, operational or other reasons. Suchlogic can include measures for controlling the order in which one ormore functions occur or can occur, which can be any order according to aphysical implementation of the disclosure. For example, valve system 300and/or control system 350 can implement any one or more of the followingsteps, separately or in combination with one another, and in any order:determining whether tubing is properly, improperly or otherwise coupledto (including absent from) a valve; sending feedback or signals to oneor more controllers; receiving feedback or signals from one or morecontrollers; signaling one or more indicators or displays (see, e.g.,FIG. 11); prompting one or more inputs or outputs; determining whether avalve can open or close; opening or closing a valve; indicating whethera valve is open, closed or in another position; allowing or preventingfluid flow; allowing or preventing operation of one or more pumps;signaling an alarm; prompting or allowing an optional override;outputting signals to one or more devices, such as counters, alarms,dosing meters, batch controllers or communication hardware; conveying orotherwise displaying information, such as audibly, visibly, mechanicallyor otherwise; communicating with one or more internal or externaldevices; reacting to signals from one or more internal or externaldevices, which can include opening or closing a valve. As used herein,the term valve includes any portion or component of a valve.

With continuing reference to the Figures, and particular reference toFIGS. 11-15, another of many embodiments of a valve according to thedisclosure will now be described. As shown, for example, in FIG. 11, avalve 400 according to the disclosure can generally include one or moreof the features discussed herein with regard to valves 100, 200 andsystems 300, 350 and can further include a control module 450 forcontrolling and/or supporting control of a valve, such as by housing orotherwise supporting one or more components of control system 350.Control module 450 can include a control module housing 452 for holdingor otherwise supporting one or more control components coupled tohousing 102 and/or headpiece 110 and can at least partially support oneor more sensors, such as sensors, 352, 354, 356, controllers, such ascontroller 358 (which can include one or more controllers housed withinmodule 450 or housing 452) and other control components coupled theretoor disposed therein, as further described below.

In at least one embodiment, control module 450 can be coupled to a sideor other portion of housing 102 and/or headpiece 110 and arranged forsupporting and communicating with one or more sensors coupled to valve400 and/or for communicating with users or other system components.Control module 450 can include one or more components for inputting oroutputting information, such as from or to another component of valve400 (e.g., control system 350, if present), another component of a fluidcontrol system in which valve 400 is included, or a user or operator ofthe valve, separately or in combination. For example, control module 450can include one or more buttons 454 for inputting information orcontrolling one or more aspects of the module's functionality, such asdisplay options, units, powering on and off, and the like. Controlmodule 450 can include one or more indicators 456, such as indicatorlights, for indicating or otherwise communicating one of more states orstatuses of valve 400, such as valve position (e.g., open or closed),operational status (e.g., normal or abnormal, ready or not ready),tubing presence, operational life, fluid flow status, or the like.Indicators 456 can be or include any type of light according to aphysical embodiment of the disclosure, such as light emitting diodes(LEDs) or other light sources, and in at least one embodiment can be orinclude one or more other types of indicators, such as audible ormechanical indicators. Control module 450 can include one or moredisplays 458 for displaying information to a user, such as informationpertaining to any of the parameters mentioned above or other valveinformation (e.g., flow rate, cycle count, time in service, remainingtime in service, error details, etc.). Display 458 can be or include anytype of display(s) according to a physical embodiment of the disclosure,such as, for example, digital displays, analog displays, liquid crystaldisplays (LCDs), LED displays or other user readable interfaces. Buttons454, indicators 456 and display 458 can be coupled to control modulehousing 452 in any manner, including in any of a plurality of mannersfor at least partially resisting ingress of moisture and debris intohousing 452 and/or positioning one or more of such components foroptimal visibility and usability in accordance with a physicalimplementation. While control module 450 is shown coupled to a side ofvalve 400 in the exemplary embodiment of, e.g., FIG. 11, this need notbe the case and, alternatively (or collectively), control module 450 canbe coupled to the top, bottom and/or another portion of valve 100. Asanother example, control module 450 can be at least partially integralwith housing 102, which can include being partially or wholly disposedwithin housing 102.

In at least one embodiment, control module 450 can be configured tosense and/or receive sensing signals pertaining to one or more aspectsof valve operations and to convey corresponding information to a user orother system component. For example, control module 450 can include oneor more position sensors 352 coupled to housing 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 13)and configured to sense a position(s) of one or more valve components inthe manner described elsewhere herein. One or more position sensors 352can be coupled to housing 102 in any manner, such as via one or moreopenings 460, and can communicate with one or more controllers housedwithin control module housing 452, such as by way of wires 462 routedthrough an access 464 in housing 452 or in another manner (which caninclude wireless communication). Control module 450 can include one ormore flow sensors 356 coupled to housing 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 13) andconfigured to sense one or more flow conditions, such as whether fluidis flowing or flow rate. In at least one embodiment, one or more flowsensors 356 can be coupled to housing 452 or a portion thereof, such asone or more extensions 466 for supporting the sensors and holding thesensors in flow sensing communication with valve 400 and tubing 112(when present). Control module 450 can include one or more tube sensors354 coupled to housing 102 (see, e.g., FIG. 15) and configured to sensewhether tubing 112 is present and/or correctly positioned in tubing slot114. For example, one or more tube sensors 354 can be coupled to a valvecomponent, such as one or more pinching members 142, pinching surfaces130 a, 130 b or another portion of valve 400, in sensing communicationwith tubing slot 114 and configured to communicate the presence orabsence of tubing 114 to a controller housed within or coupled tocontrol module housing 452.

In at least one embodiment, control module 450 can be configured toconvey information via at least one of display 458 and/or one or moreindicators 456, separately or in combination. For instance, controlmodule 450 can be configured for providing various types of informationby way of turning on and/or off one or more indicators 456 of the sameor different colors, which can include cycling one or more indicators456 in one or more sequences or patterns for conveying information to auser. Such information can include, but is not limited to, whether thereis power to the valve, whether the valve is functioning normally,whether the valve needs service or replacement, whether the valve iswithin an acceptable range of temperatures, valve position, and otherdata relevant to control or operation of a valve or fluid control systemin which control module 450 is included, separately or in combination.In at least one embodiment, control module 450 can include one or moredata ports 468 for electronic communication with one or more controllerscoupled to or housed within module housing 452. For example, data port468 can be configured for supporting testing or diagnostics of module450, such as by way of communicating relevant information to one or morecomputers (not shown). As another example, data port 468 and controlmodule 450 can be configured for communicating information among aplurality of valves 400 utilized within a flow control system, which caninclude communication among two or more valves 400 or among one or morevalves 400 and an external computer or control center for monitoring orcontrolling system operations, separately or in combination.

As shown in FIGS. 11-14 for illustrative purposes, control module 450can, in at least one embodiment, include a control module housing 452coupled to a side of valve 400 (e.g., housing 102 and/or head piece 110)opposite tubing slot 114 or an opening thereof. Further, control modulehousing 452 can be coupled to valve 400 using one or more couplers 470,such as screws, bolts or other fasteners. However, this need not be thecase and control module 450 can alternatively, or collectively, beconfigured and coupled to valve 400 in any of a plurality of differentways. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 16-17, control module 450 caninclude a housing 552 for coupling to a side of a valve 500 oppositeports 104 a, 104 b and which can, but need not, include adownward-facing tubing slot 514. As yet another example, control module450 can include a control module housing 652 for coupling to a side of avalve 100, 200, 400 including tube slot 114 (see FIGS. 18-19). In suchan embodiment, which is but one of many, control module housing 652 canbe configured for covering at least a portion of tubing slot 114,whether optionally or otherwise, which can include serving an additionalor supplemental purpose of a tubing retainer (such as the retainer 134described above) and/or finger guard or safety guard. Further, controlmodule housing 652 can be removably coupled to housing 102 and/orheadpiece 110 (e.g., in a snap-on configuration as illustrated in FIGS.18-19) or otherwise coupled thereto or therewith, such as mechanicallyor integrally.

With continuing reference to the Figures, and particular reference toFIGS. 20-25, another of many embodiments of a valve according to thedisclosure will now be described. As shown, for example, in FIG. 20, avalve 700 according to the disclosure can generally include one or moreof the features discussed herein with regard to valves 100, 200, 400,500 and systems 300, 350, 450 and can further include a headpiece 710for coupling with and otherwise supporting a guard 750, such as a tubingretainer and/or finger guard or safety guard, for supporting properpositioning of tubing 112 within tubing slot 114 and at least partiallyminimizing ingress of a user's finger or other objects into tubing slot114. In this manner, similarly to retainer 134 described elsewhere inthis disclosure, guard 750 can, in at least one embodiment, servesimultaneously as a safety mechanism for helping prevent pinching of auser's finger and a reliability mechanism for helping retain tubing 112in a proper position during valve operations and helping prevent theintrusion of any foreign objects that could potentially interfere withproper functioning of valve 700. As shown in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS. 20-21, which is but one of many, valve 700 can be the same as orsimilar to valve 400 described above in one or more respects but canhave a headpiece 710 and/or guard 750 in place of all or a portion ofheadpiece 110 described previously. However, this need not be the caseand alternatively, or collectively, valve 700 can be or include anyother pinch valve capable of functioning or otherwise cooperating withheadpiece 710 and/or guard 750, whether expressly shown or described inthe present disclosure or otherwise.

In at least one embodiment, headpiece 710 can be adapted for couplingwith one or more other valve components, such as housing 102, and forsupporting one or more valve components and receiving a portion oftubing 112 for cooperating with a valve during valve operations, such asopening or closing operations. Headpiece 710 can include a tubing slot114, such as a hole or opening, for receiving at least a portion oftubing 112 and can be adapted for coupling with and otherwise supportingguard 750 to at least partially cover, block, or otherwise limit ingressor egress from slot 114 or a portion thereof. For example, headpiece 710can be adapted for removable coupling with guard 750 and guard 750 canbe adapted to extend at least partially into tubing slot 114, such aswhen headpiece 710 and guard 750 are coupled with one another.

In at least one embodiment, guard 750 can include a base 752, such as asupport or foundation, for coupling with headpiece 710 and one or moreextensions 754, such as fingers or other members, for being disposed atleast partially within or otherwise blocking at least a portion oftubing slot 114. For example, headpiece 710 or a portion thereof, suchas headpiece body 711, can include one or more guard slots 756 forreceiving or coupling with at least a portion of an extension 754. Guard750 or a portion thereof, such as base 752, can be adapted for couplingwith headpiece 710, which can, but need not, include utilization of oneor more fasteners 758, such as screws, bolts, or other threadedcouplers. In such an embodiment, headpiece 710 can, but need not,include one or more recesses 760, such as slots, holes or openings, forreceiving all or a portion of one or more fasteners 758 and/orsupporting alignment of guard 750 and headpiece 710 during coupling orotherwise. For instance, in at least one embodiment, such as anembodiment wherein tamper resistance may be of import, one or morefasteners 758 can be or include spanner screws or other tamper-resistantfasteners. However, this need not be the case and, in at least oneembodiment, alternatively, or collectively with one or more fasteners758, headpiece 710 and guard 750 can be adapted to couple with oneanother in one or more other manners. For example, headpiece 710 andguard 750 can be adapted to couple with one another by way of threads,snap-lock, quarter-turn post and groove, and/or otherwise. As anotherexample, headpiece 710 and/or guard 750 can include one or morestructures for aiding in the alignment of headpiece 710 and guard 750upon coupling with one another or otherwise. For instance, one of suchcomponents can include a tongue 762, such as a continuous or segmentedrim, and the other of such components can include a groove 764 forengaging with tongue 762, such as for aligning headpiece 710 and guard750 radially about a central longitudinal axis X. Guard 750 or portionthereof, such as extension 754, can be inserted at least partially intoor through guard slot 756 and disposed at least partially within tubingslot 114 or portion thereof. Tongue 762 and groove 764, whetherseparately or in combination with extension 754 and guard slot 756, canalign guard 750 and headpiece 710. Guard 750 and headpiece 710 can becoupled to one another for at least temporarily holding extension 754 inplace relative to slot 114, such as during valve operations.

In at least one embodiment, such as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 20through 25 for illustrative purposes, headpiece 710 and guard 750 can beat least partially tubular, which can but need not include being atleast partially cylindrical. Alternatively, or collectively, headpiece710 and guard 750 can be any shape according to a particularimplementation of the disclosure, which can include being square,rectangular, triangular, elliptical, oblong and/or otherwise shaped. Inat least one embodiment, which is but one of many, guard 750 or aportion thereof, such as base 752, can include one or more openings 766therein or therethrough for receiving or otherwise cooperating with oneor more other valve components or portions thereof. For example, in anembodiment of valve 700 that includes an override 202 or other structuredisposed at least partially beneath headpiece body 711, one or moreopenings 766 can be adapted for accommodating or engaging such structure(if present), such as by allowing it to pass at least partially throughor into guard 750 or portion thereof.

As shown in the embodiments of FIGS. 20 through 25 for illustrativepurposes, guard 750 or a portion thereof, such as extension 754, can beat least partially shaped or contoured for cooperating with guard slot756. For instance, in an embodiment wherein headpiece body 711 is atleast partially cylindrical (see, e.g., FIG. 22), which is but one ofmany, guard slot 756 and extension 754 can be at least partially curvedor arcuate. Guard slot 756 can be or include a longitudinally throughhole in at least a portion of a wall 768 of headpiece 710 or headpiecebody 711 and extension 754 can be disposed at least partially therein ortherethrough or otherwise engaged therewith. Guard slot 756 can, butneed not, be in fluid communication with tubing slot 114 or a portionthereof. As other examples, at least a portion of guard slot 756 can bedisposed through one or more walls 768 or portions thereof in a radialdirection, and guard 750 can be similarly shaped and/or can include anextension 754 shaped to protrude into or through at least a portion of awall 768, such as in a radial direction about central longitudinal axisX.

As can be seen in FIG. 24, for example, extension 754 or a portionthereof can extend through guard slot 756 and can be disposed at leastpartially within tubing slot 114. Extension 754 can extend through orblock all or a portion of tubing slot 114 (e.g., in a longitudinaldirection along axis X), as may be required or desired according to aparticular implementation of the disclosure. For instance, in at leastone embodiment, one or more portions of headpiece 710, such as one ormore walls 768, slot 114, or portions thereof, can have one or moreheights, lengths or other dimensions and can collectively have one ormore combined heights, lengths or other dimensions, as can other valvecomponents, such as base 752, extension 754, or other components.Extension 754, or a portion thereof, can have a dimension that is lessthan, equal to, or greater than, a combined dimension of a wall 768 andslot 114 or any portion of any of them, which can be or include anydimension(s) according to a particular implementation of the disclosure.In an embodiment wherein extension 754 passes through or blocks anentire height or other dimension of tubing slot 114, an upper wall 768or other portion of valve 700 can, but need not, be adapted forreceiving at least a portion of extension 754 and/or extension 754 can,but need not, be adapted for being disposed at least partially withinone or more portions of headpiece 710, headpiece body 711 and/or one ormore other valve components.

Similarly, extension 754 can be disposed anywhere along tubing slot 114in the radial direction about axis X. In other words, as shown in theexemplary embodiment of FIG. 24 for illustrative purposes, extension 754or a portion thereof can be disposed radially interior of mouth 770 oftubing slot 114. However, this need not be the case and alternatively,or collectively, guard 750, extension 754, or one or more portions ofany of them, can be disposed otherwise relative to mouth 770, which caninclude, but is not limited to, being disposed radially exterior ofmouth 770 or wall 768 (e.g., adjacent thereto) or elsewhere relative tomouth 770 or wall 768, which can include any position about axis Xaccording to an implementation of the disclosure.

A control module for a pinch valve can include a controller housing, oneor more controllers coupled to the controller housing, one or moredisplays coupled to the controller housing, one or more indicatorscoupled to the controller housing, and one or more sensors coupled tothe controller, such as flow sensors, proximity sensors and/or tubesensors. A control module or controller housing can be adapted to coupleto a pinch valve or one or more portions thereof. One or more flowsensors can include first and second flow sensors coupled to a housingand a controller housing can be adapted to dispose the first and secondflow sensors on opposite sides of a tube slot, such as when thecontroller housing is coupled to a pinch valve. One or more flow sensorscan be coupled to supports, such as extensions or arms, which can bedisposed on a side of a controller housing, such as opposite orotherwise relative to a display or other module component.

A control module can include first and second proximity sensorsconfigured to sense one or more targets or other components fordetermining whether a pinch valve is in one or more positions, such asone or more open or closed positions, fully, partially or otherwise. Acontroller housing can be configured to couple to at least one of apinch valve housing, a pinch valve headpiece and a combination thereof.A controller housing can be configured to couple to a pinch valve on aside opposite a tube slot opening, on a side including a tube slot, oron another portion of a valve or valve component. A controller housingcan include a guard configured to cover at least a portion of a tubeslot when the controller housing is coupled to a pinch valve. Acontroller housing can be configured to couple to a pinch valve by atleast one of mechanical fasteners, adhesive, snap-fit and a combinationthereof, and can include one or more components for communicating in awired or wireless configuration, such as transmitters or receivers. Acontrol module can include one or more data ports, such as a data portcoupled to the controller housing, which can be configured forelectronic communication between one or more controllers disposed withinthe module and one or more second controllers disposed elsewhere, suchas distally from the module or outside of the controller housing.

A control module can be configured to communicate with a processcontroller. One or more controllers can be configured to output at leastone of a valve operation cycle count, an alarm signal, a dosing signal,a metering signal, a batch control signal, and a combination thereof. Anindicator can include one or more indicator lights and can configured todisplay one or more of a plurality of indications, such as based on oneor more signals from one or more sensors, such as at least one of one ormore flow sensors, one or more proximity sensors, one or more tubesensors and a combination thereof. Operation of one or more sensors canbe dependent upon one or more signals from one or more other sensors.Operation of the one or more flow sensors can be dependent upon one ormore signals from at least one of one or more proximity sensors, one ormore tube sensors and a combination thereof.

A pinch valve can include a valve housing, a headpiece coupled to thevalve housing, wherein the headpiece can include a tube slot adapted toreceive a portion of tubing through a tube slot opening, and a controlmodule. The control module can include a controller housing coupled toat least one of the valve housing, the headpiece and a combinationthereof, a controller disposed at least partially within the controllerhousing, a display coupled to the controller housing, one or moreindicator lights coupled to the controller housing, one or more flowsensors electronically coupled to the controller, one or more proximitysensors electronically coupled to the controller, and one or more tubesensors electronically coupled to the circuit board. A pinch valve caninclude one or more flow sensors, such as first and second flow sensors,coupled to the controller housing and disposed on opposite sides of thetube slot. One or more flow sensors can be disposed upstream and/ordownstream from a tube slot. One or more flow sensors can be coupled toa controller housing or a portion thereof and can be disposed in one ormore locations relative to other valve or module components. A pinchvalve can include one or more proximity sensors, such as first andsecond proximity sensors, which can be coupled to the valve housing andconfigured to sense at least one target for determining whether thepinch valve is in one or more positions. A controller housing can bedisposed for blocking a tube slot opening or avoiding interference witha tube slot opening. A control module can be configured to send a signalto a pump controller based on a signal from at least one of one or moresensors.

A pinch valve system can include a plurality of pinch valves, each pinchvalve having a valve housing and a headpiece coupled to the valvehousing, wherein the headpiece can include a tube slot adapted toreceive a portion of tubing through a tube slot opening, and a controlsystem comprising a system controller and a plurality of controlmodules. One or more of the plurality of control modules can be coupledto a corresponding one of the plurality of pinch valves. One or more ofthe plurality of control modules can include a controller housing, amodule controller disposed at least partially within the controllerhousing, a display coupled to the controller housing, one or moreindicator lights coupled to the controller housing, one or more flowsensors electronically coupled to the module controller, one or moreproximity sensors electronically coupled to the module controller andone or more tube sensors electronically coupled to the modulecontroller. One or more of the plurality of control modules can becoupled in electronic communication with the system controller.

A pinch valve can include a housing having a first fluid port and asecond fluid port, a headpiece coupled to the housing, wherein theheadpiece can include a slot adapted to receive a portion of tubing, apiston rod having a first piston rod end and a longitudinally oppositesecond piston rod end, wherein first piston rod end is disposed withinthe housing, a spring guide coupled to the first piston rod end, aspring coupled to the spring guide, a piston plate coupled to the firstpiston rod end, wherein the piston plate is sealingly or sealablycoupled to an interior surface of the housing and configured to slidealong the interior surface between the first and second fluid ports, aplunger coupled to the second piston rod end, wherein the plunger caninclude a first pinching surface, and a second pinching surface coupledto the headpiece and disposed at least partially within the slot,wherein the first pinching surface is configured to move relative to thesecond pinching surface between fully open and fully closed valvepositions.

A pinch valve can include a control system coupled to the valve, whereinthe control system can include a position sensor configured to sense oneor more positions of the valve, a tubing sensor configured to sensewhether tubing is present in the slot, and a flow sensor configured tomeasure fluid flow through the valve. A control system can include acontroller in electronic communication with one or more of the sensorsand configured to output at least one of a valve operation cycle count,an alarm signal, a dosing signal, a metering signal, a batch controlsignal, and a combination thereof. A flow sensor can be configured tomeasure fluid flow fluidically upstream or downstream from a tubingsensor. A position indicator can be configured to indicate whether avalve is in one or more positions. A tubing sensor can be configured tosense whether tubing is in one or more positions relative to the tubingsensor. Operation of a flow sensor can be dependent upon a signal fromone or more other sensors, which can include a position sensor.

A pinch valve can include a tube slot of varying shape and/or size. Atube slot can include a first portion having a dimension, such as aninside, outside or another dimension, which can be or include adiameter, and a second portion having a dimension the same as ordifferent from, which can include being less than or greater than, thedimension of the first portion. A piston plate can be coupled between aspring guide and a shoulder of a piston rod. A tubing retainer can becoupled to a headpiece, such as to an exterior of the headpiece. Anexterior of the headpiece can include a coupler, such as a groove, and atubing retainer can include a coupler, such as an extension, configuredto couple with the groove.

A pinch valve can include one or more pinching members and at least oneof one or more pinching surfaces can be or include an exterior surfaceof a pin, which can be or include a cylindrical or tubular pin. A pinchvalve can include one or more cylindrical pins coupled to at least oneof the plunger and the headpiece. A pinch valve can include an overridecoupled to the headpiece, such as on a side of a tube slotlongitudinally or otherwise opposite the housing. An override can beconfigured to optionally move one or more pinching surfaces or membersaway from one or more other pinching surfaces or members. An overridecan include an actuator and an override arm, and the actuator can beconfigured to optionally move the override arm into contact with theplunger or another valve component. An override arm can be configured toforce a plunger toward the housing. An override can include a caprotatably or otherwise moveably coupled to a headpiece. A pinch valvesystem can include one or more pinch valves, one or more controllers,one or more pumps and one or more computers, such as computers disposedin a control center. A method of controlling a pinch valve can includesensing one or more aspects of one or more valves, inputting oroutputting sensed information, and controlling one or more valves basedon all or part of such information.

In at least one embodiment, a pinch valve can include a finger guard ortubing retainer for blocking at least a portion of a tube slot. Aheadpiece for a pinch valve can include a tube slot for receiving tubingand can be adapted to couple with a guard. A guard can include a baseand an extension and can be removably coupled to a headpiece. Anextension can be adapted to block at least a portion of a tube slot.

In at least one embodiment, a headpiece for a pinch valve can include abody having a first end adapted to couple with one or more otherportions of a valve, such as a valve actuator or housing, alongitudinally opposite second end, an opening, such as a tube slot, forreceiving tubing, and one or more guards, such as covers, retainers orother structures. A tube slot can have a mouth adapted to receive aportion of tubing there through. In at least one embodiment, a guard canbe removably coupled to a headpiece or a portion thereof, such as abody. In at least one embodiment, a guard can include a base configuredto couple to a headpiece body, which can include coupling to a secondend or other end or portion of the headpiece body, and an extensioncoupled to the base. The extension can be adapted to cover at least aportion of a tube slot, which can include the mouth, whether separatelyor in combination with one or more other portions of the guard.

In at least one embodiment, a tube slot can include a mouth or entrancedisposed in a wall of a headpiece body, such as longitudinally betweenone or more ends, such as first and second ends, and an extension can bedisposed at least partially within or otherwise relative to the mouth ofthe tube slot. The wall can be tubular, in whole or in part. A tube slotcan be disposed in the wall longitudinally between first and secondportions of the wall, which can be or include any portion(s) of thewall. In at least one embodiment, one or more walls or wall portions,such as a second portion or another portion, can include a slot or otheropening for communicating with at least a portion of a guard. Forexample, a headpiece can include a guard slot for communicating with atleast a portion of a guard. A guard slot can be in fluid communicationwith a tube slot. At least a portion of a guard, such as an extension oranother portion, can be disposed at least partially within a guard slot.

In at least one embodiment, a wall of a headpiece can be at leastpartially cylindrical and one or more of a guard slot and an extensioncan be at least partially arcuate or otherwise adapted for cooperatingwith one another and the wall. In at least one embodiment, a portion ofa wall and a mouth of a tube slot can have a combined height, anextension can have a length, and the length of the extension can be lessthan the combined height of the portion of the wall and the mouth of thetube slot. In at least one embodiment, a portion of a wall and a mouthof a tube slot can have a combined height, an extension can have alength, and the length of the extension can be greater than or equal tothe combined height of the portion of the wall and the mouth of the tubeslot.

In at least one embodiment, one of a headpiece body and a guard caninclude a tongue and the other of the headpiece body and the guard caninclude a groove. The tongue and groove can be adapted to couple withone another to align the headpiece body and the guard or one or moreportions thereof. In at least one embodiment, at least a portion of abase of a guard can be annular. At least a portion of a headpiece bodycan be disposed within an opening in a base or other portion of a guard.In at least one embodiment, a guard can be adapted to be coupled to aheadpiece with one or more fasteners, such as screws, bolts, spannerscrews, or other couplers.

In at least one embodiment, a pinch valve can include a housing for anactuator, a headpiece having a slot and a guard for optionally blockingor covering at least a portion of the slot. A headpiece can have a firstend coupled to the housing, a longitudinally opposite second end and atube slot having a mouth adapted to receive a portion of tubing thereinor there through. A plunger can have a first pinching surface and asecond pinching surface can be coupled to the headpiece. One or morepinching surfaces can be configured to move relative to one anotheramong one or more positions, such as valve positions, which can includefully or partially open and closed valve positions. A valve can includea guard removably coupled to the headpiece and the guard can include abase configured to couple to the headpiece and an extension coupled tothe base. The extension can be adapted to cover at least a portion ofthe tube slot, which can include the mouth or another portion, in wholeor in part. A mouth of a tube slot can be disposed in a wall of aheadpiece longitudinally between first and second ends and an extensioncan be disposed at least partially within the mouth of the tube slot.

In at least one embodiment, a pinch valve can include a wall, which canbe or include a tubular wall, disposed longitudinally or otherwisebetween one or more ends or other portions, such as first and secondends, of the valve or a portion thereof. A tube slot can be disposed ina portion of the valve, such as in a wall longitudinally between firstand second portions of the wall. A wall can include a guard slot forreceiving or otherwise communicating with at least a portion of a guard.A guard slot can be in fluid communication with the tube slot. A guardor a portion thereof can be disposed at least partially within a guardslot.

In at least one embodiment, a valve can include one or more walls thatcan be at least partially cylindrical and one or more of a guard slotand an extension can be at least partially arcuate or otherwise adaptedfor cooperating with one another and the wall. In at least oneembodiment, a portion of a wall and a mouth of a tube slot can have acombined height, an extension can have a length, and the length of theextension can be less than the combined height of the portion of thewall and the mouth of the tube slot. In at least one embodiment, aportion of a wall and a mouth of a tube slot can have a combined height,an extension can have a length, and the length of the extension can begreater than or equal to the combined height of the portion of the walland the mouth of the tube slot.

In at least one embodiment, a valve can include a headpiece and a guardand at least one of the headpiece and the guard can include a tongue andthe other of the headpiece body and the guard can include a groove. Thetongue and groove can be adapted to couple with one another to align theheadpiece body and the guard or one or more portions thereof. In atleast one embodiment, at least a portion of a base of a guard can beannular. At least a portion of a headpiece body can be disposed withinan opening in a base or other portion of a guard. In at least oneembodiment, a guard can be adapted to be coupled to a headpiece with oneor more fasteners, such as screws, bolts, spanner screws, or othercouplers. In at least one embodiment, a valve can include an overridecomprising an actuator and an override arm configured to optionally moveone or more pinching surfaces in one or more directions. In at least oneembodiment, a guard or portion thereof can include one or more openingsand at least a portion of a headpiece can be disposed within an openingin a base or other portion of a guard. In at least one embodiment, atleast a portion of an override can be disposed at least partially withinor through at least a portion of a guard, which can include the base oranother portion, separately or in combination.

Other and further embodiments utilizing one or more aspects of thesystems and methods described above can be devised without departingfrom the spirit of Applicants' disclosures. For example, the systems andmethods disclosed herein can be used alone or to form one or more partsof other valves, valve components and/or fluid control systems. Further,the various methods and embodiments of the valves, guards and controlcomponents can be included in combination with each other to producevariations of the disclosed methods and embodiments. Discussion ofsingular elements can include plural elements and vice-versa. Referencesto at least one item followed by a reference to the item can include oneor more items. Also, various aspects of the embodiments can be used inconjunction with each other to accomplish the understood goals of thedisclosure.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise,” “include,”and “has” (including variations and conjugations thereof, such as“comprises,” “including,” “have” and so forth) should be understood toimply the inclusion of at least the stated element or step or group ofelements or steps or equivalents thereof, and not the exclusion of agreater numerical quantity or any other element or step or group ofelements or steps or equivalents thereof. The devices, apparatuses andsystems can be used in a number of directions and/orientations. Theorder of steps can occur in a variety of sequences unless otherwisespecifically limited. The various steps described herein can be combinedwith other steps, interlineated with the stated steps, and/or split intomultiple steps. Similarly, elements have been described functionally andcan be embodied as separate components and/or can be combined intocomponents having multiple functions.

The embodiments have been described in the context of preferred andother embodiments and not every embodiment of Applicants' disclosure hasbeen described. Obvious modifications and alterations to the describedembodiments are available to those of ordinary skill in the art havingthe benefits of the present disclosure. The disclosed and undisclosedembodiments are not intended to limit or restrict the scope orapplicability of Applicants' disclosures, but rather, in conformity withthe patent laws, Applicants intend to fully protect all suchmodifications and improvements that come within the scope or range ofequivalents of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A headpiece for a pinch valve, comprising: aheadpiece body having a central longitudinal axis, a first end adaptedto couple with a valve actuator, a longitudinally opposite second endand a tube slot having a mouth adapted to receive a portion of tubingthere through, wherein the headpiece body comprises a tubular portiondisposed longitudinally between the tube slot and the second end; and aguard removably coupled to the headpiece body, wherein the guardcomprises a base coupled to the second end of the headpiece body; and anextension coupled to the base, wherein the extension blocks at least aportion of the mouth of the tube slot; and a guard slot parallel to thecentral longitudinal axis and disposed within a wall of the tubularportion of the headpiece body between the tube slot and the second end,wherein the guard slot intersects the mouth of the tube slot; whereinthe extension extends through the guard slot and into the mouth of thetube slot.
 2. The headpiece of claim 1, wherein the mouth of the tubeslot is disposed in a wall of the headpiece body longitudinally betweenthe first and second ends and wherein the extension is disposed at leastpartially within the mouth of the tube slot.
 3. The headpiece of claim1, wherein the headpiece body is at least partially cylindrical, andwherein each of the guard slot and the extension is at least partiallyarcuate.
 4. The headpiece of claim 1, wherein the tubular portion of theheadpiece body and the mouth of the tube slot have a combined height,wherein the extension has a length, and wherein the length of theextension is less than the combined height of the tubular portion of thewall headpiece body and the mouth of the tube slot.
 5. The headpiece ofclaim 1, wherein one of the second end of the headpiece body and thebase comprises a tongue and the other of the second end of the headpiecebody and the base comprises a groove, and wherein the tongue and grooveare adapted to couple with one another to align the headpiece body andthe base.
 6. The headpiece of claim 1, wherein the base of the guard isannular.
 7. The headpiece of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of theheadpiece body is disposed within an opening in the base of the guard.8. The headpiece of claim 1, wherein the guard is coupled to theheadpiece body with one or more fasteners.
 9. The headpiece of claim 8,wherein the one or more fasteners comprises at least one spanner screw.10. A pinch valve, comprising: a housing for an actuator; a headpiecehaving a first end coupled to the housing, a longitudinally oppositesecond end and a tube slot having a mouth adapted to receive a portionof tubing there through; a plunger having a first pinching surface; asecond pinching surface coupled to the headpiece, wherein the firstpinching surface is configured to move relative to the second pinchingsurface between open and closed valve positions; and a guard removablycoupled to the headpiece, wherein the guard comprises a base configuredto couple to the second end of the headpiece; a guard slot disposedwithin a wall of the headpiece body from the second end of the headpieceto the mouth of the tube slot; and an extension coupled to the base;wherein the extension is adapted to cover at least a portion of themouth of the tube slot; wherein the extension extends through the guardslot and into the mouth of the tube slot; and wherein the guard slot isin fluid communication with the tube slot and the extension isconfigured to extend all the way through the guard slot and into themouth of the tube slot.
 11. The pinch valve of claim 10, wherein themouth of the tube slot is disposed in a wall of the headpiecelongitudinally between the first and second ends and wherein theextension is disposed at least partially within the mouth of the tubeslot.
 12. The pinch valve of claim 10, further comprising: a tubularwall disposed longitudinally between the first and second ends; whereinthe tube slot is disposed in the wall longitudinally between a first anda second portion of the wall.
 13. The pinch valve of claim 12, whereinthe tubular wall is at least partially cylindrical, and wherein each ofthe guard slot and the extension is at least partially arcuate.
 14. Thepinch valve of claim 12, wherein the second portion of the wall and themouth of the tube slot have a combined height, wherein the extension hasa length, and wherein the length of the extension is less than thecombined height of the second portion of the wall and the mouth of thetube slot.
 15. The pinch valve of claim 10, wherein one of the secondend of the headpiece and the base comprises a tongue and the other ofthe second end of the headpiece and the base comprises a groove, andwherein the tongue and groove are adapted to couple with one another toalign the headpiece and the base.
 16. The pinch valve of claim 10,wherein the base of the guard is annular.
 17. The pinch valve of claim10, wherein at least a portion of the headpiece is disposed within anopening in the base of the guard.
 18. The pinch valve of claim 10,wherein the guard is coupled to the headpiece with one or morefasteners.
 19. A headpiece for a pinch valve, comprising: a housing foran actuator; a headpiece body having a central longitudinal axis, afirst end coupled to the housing, a longitudinally opposite second endand a tube slot between the first end and the second end, the tube slothaving a mouth adapted to receive a portion of tubing there through,wherein the headpiece body comprises a tubular portion disposedlongitudinally between the tube slot and the second end; a plungerhaving a first pinching surface; a second pinching surface coupled tothe headpiece, wherein the first pinching surface is configured to moverelative to the second pinching surface between open and closed valvepositions; a guard removably coupled to the headpiece body, wherein theguard comprises a base coupled to the second end of the headpiece body;and an extension coupled to the base, wherein the extension blocks atleast a portion of the mouth of the tube slot; and a guard slot parallelto the central longitudinal axis within a wall of the tubular portion ofthe headpiece body, wherein the guard slot intersects the mouth of thetube slot and the second end; wherein the extension extends from thebase through the guard slot and into the mouth of the tube slot.